Manchester United are set to make formal contact with alternatives for Michael Carrick this month, and one of those would be an upgrade on their current manager.
The Red Devils have a huge decision to make in the coming months at Old Trafford, with Carrick only brought in on a deal until the end of the season.
United must now decide whether to give him the job on a permanent basis, or look to bring in a new manager to replace him in the summer.
Carrick has certainly done his chances of securing the job no harm, with United sitting in the Champions League places with a comfortable cushion.
They currently have a six-point lead on fifth-place Liverpool and are one of the favourites to qualify for Europe's elite club competition, and that could give Carrick a strong chance of keeping his place in the dugout.
Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick claps the fans Related
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Man Utd to Make Formal Approach for Carrick Alternatives
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann singing the national anthem
GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs recently reported that United were to make contact with alternatives to Carrick in April, and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is someone on their shortlist.
Nagelsmann is believed to be higher than Mauricio Pochettino in their thinking, and talks could be held between the top parties this month.
"Nagelsmann and Carrick are higher than Pochettino currently. In April, there will be some formal outreach to other candidates."
Jacobs also confirmed that Nagelsmann is ready to take a job in the Premier League, and he's willing to leave Germany despite having a contract until 2028.
“With Nagelsmann, he is contracted until 2028, and is open to a club job this summer. He has been keen to manage in the Premier League.”
It could be time for United to get their ducks in order and make a move.
Nagelsmann a Carrick Upgrade
Michael Carrick
Undoubtedly, Nagelsmann, described as a 'genius', would be an upgrade on Carrick in terms of his credentials as a manager at the highest level.
Although Carrick is doing an excellent job currently, this is his first role in a top-five league, and he's perhaps had it easier than a lot of previous United managers.
United are only playing in domestic competitions at the moment and have been since Carrick arrived, meaning they've been able to put their full focus on that.
That's not to say managing at Old Trafford is ever easy, but he's yet to be tested as a manager when also playing in Europe, alongside the Premier League.